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 A new kind of fairytale Dec 02, 2008
"August Rush" is a "magic movie". It's a movie about the power of love and music, which ultimately seem much more powerful in this film than they are in real life.
The story is about Evan Taylor, a boy who lives in a home for children without parents. Evan knows that his parents are out in the world, though, and he desires to find them, through the power of music, which he says they "gave to him". And indeed, this music is very powerful as he sets out on a journey to find his parents--just two people--in New York City.
If I told anymore, I would give a lot of the story away. So I'll just say, this movie is a feel-good film. Practical thinkers probably won't enjoy it as much, since there isn't much practicality in it. It's a Hollywood movie to the core--true, deep love is portrayed as a one night stand, and events take place that would never happen in the real world. But that's what movies--and music--is for, right? To transport viewers and listeners to a different world. And if so, "August Rush" does a pretty good job of it.
(I also like to add in a bit about content in the films I review. As a 16-year-old Christian girl, I always appreciate reviews that shed some light on the objectionable content in a film. So below is a summary of things parents might want to take into consideration.)
Love between two people in this film is portrayed as one night together on a rooftop of New York under the stars. You never actually see anything, but you know they did more than kiss because the girl is pregnant later on. All you see are the two of them lying on a couch on the roof in each other's arms.
A few d-words are spoken, mostly by a little boy. God's name is used in vain a few times. If you watch the deleted scenes, there is one that shows a character yelling out God's name and the d-word at a little kid.
The character played by Robin Williams is a little threatening at times. While he "cares" for the street kids, his character doesn't really come across as caring. Instead, he seems like a greedy, abusive sort of man. You wonder if it was supposed to be implied that he was on drugs. Either that, or the dude was just kinda doodly in the head.
 August Rush Dec 02, 2008
I have a daughter who is a music teacher and has had underpriviledged children in her care. I thought this movie was excellent for all ages. Also, I am a mentor for teenage moms and what a responsibility. Life is so precious, especially our young ones. Although this story is of different background thna I relate to previously, it is truly a heartwarming and lovely movie of courage and love.
great movie Dec 01, 2008
This is a great urban type of fairytale story . The music really sets this tale apart from others like it. Really worth watching
Uniquely Composed Nov 30, 2008
Have you ever stopped and listened to the sounds all around you? Did you hear the crickets, the wind chimes, the sounds of the wind? They create music, a symphony when all is put together. It is so beautiful and majestic. Even taking in the scenery that paints pictures before you, can add to the wonders of the natural sounds. August Rush (2007) is the perfect movie to turn your attention to these everyday surroundings. Not only is it a movie of music and the power it holds, but it is also a movie of love, whether it be romantic love, friendly love, or the love of a family. August Rush has it. Its story line is unique, and is harmoniously constructed.
I give a great deal of credit to the writers, James V. Hart (screenplay), Nick Castle (screenplay and story), and Paul Castro (story). I applaud the producers, the crew behind the movie, and the director, Kirsten Sheridan. There were many camera angles used; most were close-ups, but some long shots were included. There was a scene at the beginning of the film where both of these types of shots were shown. Lyla Novacek, (Keri Russell), and Louis Connelly, (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), just met on the rooftop of a building, and the close-ups of their faces showed sparkles in their eyes, they both looked happy and free. In this same scene, a long shot showed a man walking, later to be revealed as Wizard, (Robin Williams), on the sidewalk beneath them playing a harmonica. The camera was zoomed out and in when necessary, and used in so many different angles. At one point the camera zoomed out rapidly from a close-up on Russell, when she thought she saw her son. The watcher could really get a feel for the characters throughout the movie.
It was great to see the way the music carried emotions, the lighting formed a scene or character, and the shots told the viewer what to think and feel about what was being shot. The different sets, especially the broken down theater, proved that the props and sets were well thought about. The costumes were mainly modern day, and the accents of the actors fit who they were described to be. For example, Louis was an Irish character, and that's just the accent he carried. Symbolism came with the moon and music, which was the connection between Evan Taylor, (Freddie Highmore), Lyla, and Louis. Wizard said a quote in the movie that revealed the role symbolism played in this particular film. He said, "Music is...God's little reminder there's something else besides us in this universe. Harmonic connection between all living beings everywhere, even the stars." The setting took place in numerous cities. They were, San Francisco, Chicago, and a few different cities in New York, all mentioned in the movie at least once.
The movie started out with capturing the viewer as, Evan Taylor/August Rush, spoke while only a black screen showed. He was an orphan who believed the music talked to him. He even ran away from the orphanage because "the music told him to." He was on the search of his parents, listening to the music to find his way. Along the way, he met a boy named Arthur X, (Leon G. Thomas III), who introduced Evan to Wizard. After discovering the musical prodigy that Evan was, and fearing that he would be taken away, Wizard gave Evan Taylor the name of August Rush. August continued his journey with the help of other characters throughout the film. As he searched for Lyla, his mother, she, soon after, began the search for him, and Louis, his father, began the search for her. The movie shows these three different lives and how they are intertwined. Richard Jeffries, (Terrance Howard), winds up playing a big part in the paths of these characters. August's life and search was the main focus though. His search revealed yet another symbol, a necklace, which symbolized that he was on the right track in his journey.
This original script will fill you with emotion, questions, and even wonder. Lie back, and let the music take you away in this hope filled, love story. Discover how a necklace showed that August was on the right track. Embrace new levels of imagination as music brings magic to the film and opens you up to ideas you never thought possible. Answer your own questions: Are Lyla, Louis, and August ever connected together? Does the music bring them to the end of their search on a high note? Follow the music and find out for yourself in August Rush.
The best movie of the year!!! Nov 29, 2008
Beautiful story in every way! So what if it was completely improbable. Maybe we could just look at this as a fantasy and sit back and enjoy the story and incredible music that comes along with the package.
Also, Freddie Highmore was adorable in this film. He is such a talented actor.
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